The Third International Asian Stardom, Celebrity and Fandom Conference

The Technologies of Asian Stardom, Celebrity and Fandom

University of Nottingham Ningbo China
Date: 23–25 October 2026

Convenors: 

Professor Sean Redmond (RMIT University, Australia)
Associate Professor Jian Xu (Deakin University, Australia)
Associate Professor Vikrant Kishore (University of Nottingham Ningbo China)

Keynote Speaker:

Associate Professor Ling Yang
School of Film, Xiamen University, China

* Abstract submissions have now closed. Registration is open for presenters and attendees.

Conference Overview

The Third International Asian Stardom, Celebrity and Fandom Conference examines how the formations, productions, and receptions of Asian stardom, celebrity, and fandom are being transformed by post-digital technologies, platformisation, virtual environments, and the growing influence of generative and agentic artificial intelligence.

Digital platforms, algorithmic systems, virtual production technologies, and AI-generated content have altered how stars and celebrities are created, circulated, consumed, and monetised. These technological developments have changed the ways in which audiences encounter fame and fandom, while also reconfiguring the commercial, cultural, and industrial processes through which celebrity is produced and sustained. The conference asks: in an era increasingly characterised by the technological production of stardom, celebrity, and fandom, what has changed, why have these changes occurred, and what social, political, cultural, and economic consequences follow?

Hosted by the School of International Communications at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China, in collaboration with RMIT University and Deakin University, the conference brings together scholars, researchers, postgraduate students, industry professionals, journalists, filmmakers, content creators, and creative practitioners working across media, communication, cultural studies, film studies, celebrity studies, fandom studies, sociology, and related disciplines.

The conference approaches Asia as a broad geopolitical and cultural space that includes the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, Taiwan, India, Pakistan, Japan, South Korea, North Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and other locations across Asia and the Asian diaspora. Presentations address questions of celebrity culture, stardom, fandom, media industries, digital platforms, virtual influencers, livestreaming, creator economies, artificial intelligence, and popular culture across diverse Asian contexts.

Registration

Registration is now open for presenters and attendees. Please register and make payment here.

*ECA/R registration is available to scholars who are within five years of completing their doctoral degree or who are in the early stages of their academic or research careers.

Registration Includes

• Access to all conference sessions
• Keynote presentations
• Paper and panel sessions
• Conference materials and programme booklet
• Refreshments and lunches during conference days
• Welcome reception

Accommodation, travel, visa expenses, and dinners are not included in the registration fee.

Publication Opportunities

Selected conference papers will be considered for publication in an edited volume within the Asian Celebrity and Fandom Studies series published by Bloomsbury Academic. There may also be opportunities for publication in a special issue of a peer-reviewed journal aligned with the conference themes.

Venue

University of Nottingham Ningbo China
199 Taikang East Road
Yinzhou District, Ningbo
Zhejiang Province, China

Conference Information

Detailed information regarding registration and payment, travel, accommodation, visa support, programme information, local transportation, food and facilities, and visitor information is available in the Conference FAQ and Payment Guidance documents.

Contact

Conference Email: asianstardom@nottingham.edu.cn

Professor Sean Redmond – sean.redmond@rmit.edu.au
Associate Professor Jian Xu – j.xu@deakin.edu.au
Associate Professor Vikrant Kishore – Vikrant.Kishore@nottingham.edu.cn